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Richmond lost a generational leader Sunday with the passing of Sardar Gurdial Singh Neel.

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Cultural builder, Neel passes at 95

By Don Fennell

Published 11:59 PDT, Tue June 9, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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Richmond is mourning the loss of a respected community leader.

Sardar Gurdial Singh Neel died June 7 at the age of 95.

Active and well-respected, Neel was an extraordinary educator who gave freely of his time, communicated openly, built cultural bridges, and genuinely cared. He will also be remembered for his welcoming smile.

Born in Ludhiana, India in 1925, after receiving three degrees he started teaching in the Punjab in 1948. That same year he married his wife of 71 years Swarnjit Kaur, and in 1951 the couple moved to Mombasa, Kenya where Sardar taught until moving to Canada with his family in 1969.

The Neels immediately settled in Richmond, where the family has resided for the last 51 years.

Neel’s volunteer service to community is more than just commendable. His volunteer work reached people of all ages and all walks of life.

He worked with the Boy Scouts and first-aid organizations in Kenya to raise funds for the cancer society, and in 1957 led a Kenyan contingent to the World Scout Jamboree in England, where he met Queen Elizabeth II.

In Canada, he assisted seniors and helped to organize multicultural activities, and was equally dedicated to educating different groups in the community about the Punjabi language and Sikh way of life. His community efforts were also highlighted by being president of the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver in 1974; volunteering at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 1994; and receiving the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Neel’s extraordinary career as an educator included teaching the sciences for more than 35 years in public school systems over three continents. He also taught Punjabi to many youth for more than six decades.

Each year following his retirement as a teacher from McNair Secondary in 1985, he generously donated a scholarship for the top science student at the school’s valedictory ceremony.

Following the inception of the Khalsa school in Vancouver in 1986, he became its founding principal and later continued to serve as a trustee and board member. He recently established the Founding Principal’s Scholarship to be awarded to top students at all five Khalsa school campuses.

Neel had a steadfast belief that education was a key element in breaking racial and cultural barriers.

In addition to his passion for education and community, Neel loved to travel. He and Swarnjit visited over 60 countries on all six continents, soaking up the opportunity to experience different cultures.

A few years ago, Neel was asked if granted one wish, what would it be?

“May this journey of life continue to be one of contentment and satisfaction. May I always be thankful for all my blessings and life according to the Sikh Way of Life and practice Naam Japna, Vand Chanka and Kirat Karni to the fullest,” he replied.

Neel is survived by his wife Swarnjit, their three children Sutinder (Paramjit), Kanwal Inder (Nancy), Freedom/Sarbjit (Leela), four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.